Google Earth 5.0, Explore the New Features

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 03 Feb 2009

Google Earth 5.0 has just recently been made available for download and you are very well advised to do so since the program boasts some impressive new features: you can now explore the bottom of the ocean with the so-called Google Ocean, you can explore the surface of Mars with the Mars mode, and you can even go back in history and view your favorite locations evolve over time.

“This launch is particularly special to me because it marks the moment when Google Earth becomes much more complete — it now has an ocean. Didn't Google Earth always have an ocean? Technically, yes, well, sort of. We have always had a big blue expanse and some low-resolution shading to suggest depth. But starting today we have a much more detailed bathymetric map (the ocean floor), so you can actually drop below the surface and explore the nooks and crannies of the seafloor in 3D. While you're there you can explore thousands of data points including videos and images of ocean life, details on the best surf spots, logs of real ocean expeditions, and much more.” says Director of Google Earth and Maps, John Hanke.

Thanks to the “Historical Imagery” feature that Google Earth 5.0 now provides, you no longer have to watch just a single image of a particular geographical location. Just click on the clock thumb and move the slide to the left and right to see a location evolve through time.

The little planet icon on the other hand lets you soar into the sky and beyond; when you select Mars you will be shown an overview of the planet, a complete simulation, not just an image overlay. Feel free to explore it just as you would normally do with Earth; the controls are the same and Google Earth 5.0 offers the same satellite imagery and 3D terrain.

Other new features of Google Earth 5.0 include “GPS Tracking”, which was previously available only in Google Earth Plus and Pro, “Record Tour”, which lets you make a virtual recording of your trips, and language support for 15 more languages (now there are 41 in total)

If you would like to get Google Earth 5.0, a download location is available here.


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